No Life 'til Metal - CD Gallery

Mortification - Break the Curse 1990 (Nuclear Blast Germany) 1990
Mortification - Break the Curse 1990 (Rowe Productions) 1990/2001

1. "Blood Sacrifice" (3:36)
2. "Brutal Warfare" (4:02)
3. "Impulsation" (4:30)
4. "Turn" (:57)
5. "New Beginnings" (2:37)
6. "Break the Curse" (2:38)
7. "Illusion of Life" (4:56)
8. "Your Last Breath" (3:25)
9. "Journey of Reconciliation" (4:27)
10. "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" (1:08)
BONUS TRACK on Nuclear Blast version
11. "Butchered Mutilation" (4:47)

Mortification 1990: Cameron Hall, Steve Rowe
& Jayson Sherlock

Mortification: (1990)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Cameron Hall-guitars
Jayson Sherlock-drums

Produced by: Doug Sanders

This album is the Lightforce "Break the Curse" demo re-mastered with the bonus track ("Butchered Mutilation") from Nuclear Blast's "Death is Just the Beginning" compilation all compiled together and released in 1994. All songs but the bonus track were recorded in April of 1990. This CD reminds me a bit of early Kreator, mixing together the elements of thrash and the beginnings of death metal. The production is raw, but it works well for this CD. Back in the early 80's heavy metal wasn't about stellar production and bands like Raven and Motorhead released discs that may not have been sonically brilliant, but the music was awesome! The raw production only made the music that much better. That is exactly the case with Break the Curse. The band's next album would have a similar sound but would add the bottom end in the production that is missing here. A lot of these songs also appeared on the Mortification self titled disc. The bonus track "Butchered Mutilation" isincredibly heavy and is one of the best death metal songs Mortification has ever written. This song never saw the light of day on any release in the U.S. and was only ever released on this German import and an obscure Nuclear Blast compilation. Too bad, it's a killer song with a much needed message. Two other songs, "Blood Sacrifice" and "Break the Curse" would not see an American release until the 1996 "Best of...Five Years" compilation some years later. This item is a genuine collector's item now. I've seen sell for well over $100. I paid $15 for mine when it was a newly released import.

Once again, a cd that was formerly worth a lot of money has been re-issued. This time 'round Rowe Productions, Steve's own label, has re-released the disc with some cool new photos. Only thing about the re-issue is that it does not included the incredible "Butchered Mutilation," so I guess the original is still worth a bit more than the re-issue. Mastering seems no different to me and their are no bonus tracks or remixes. So, why did I purchase this disc then? Because, yes, I am that anal about my CD collection.

1. "Until The End" (3:47)
2. "Brutal Warfare" (3:58)
3. "Bathed in Blood" (4:31)
4. "Satan's Doom" (6:06)
5. "Turn" (:33)
6. "No Return" (2:42)
7. "Break The Curse" (2:44)
8. "New Awakening" (5:04)
9. "The Destroyer Beholds" (3:19)
10 "Journey of Reconciliation" (4:13)
11. "The Majestic Infilatration of Order" (1:06)
......(aka "God Rules")

alternate cover art

Mortification: (1991)
Steve Rowe-bass, grind baritone vocals
Michael Carlisle-guitars, background vox
Jayson Sherlock-drums, background vox

Additional musicians:
Derek Sean-lead guitars
Roger Martinez, Andrew Tompkins-additional background vocals

Produced by Roger Martinez (Vengeance Rising)

This album was continually, and is still, mislabeled as "death metal." While Steve Rowe's vocals style may be of the death variety, the music is pure, unadulterated thrash metal. It reminds me a bit of Kreator or even Destruction. It is pretty obvious that these guys were heavily influenced by the thriving thrash scene in the early 90's. In anycase, the music had hooks and the drum playing was some of the best around. The lyrics, written mostly by Jayson and Steve, were bold Christianity, which may have turned off some listeners. This album was released with two different covers; one for the Christian stores, which featured only the logo with the two sculls, and a secular cover that featured souls being cast into the lake of fire. Both covers were drawn by drummer Jayson Sherlock. (Yes, I own both covers.) Actually, it is the "Christian" cover that is more the collector's item. Most of these songs, especially "Brutal Warfare" are still concert favorites. The only real weak point in this disc is the production, which is a bit thin compared to what was to come. This is a must for any fan of thrash metal or early death metal. Also a must for any true Mortification fan.

This disc, along with the next three were re-released in double discs sets by KMG. The re-releases, however, are all quite poor. The cover artwork is cheap, none of the original liner notes were included, and even the mastering is poor. However, in 2007 Soundmass in Australia remastered and re-released this album with a slick digi cover and 8-page booklet. There are no bonus tracks added, but this release is well worth picking up if you don't own the original or if you want the improved sound quality. Unfortunately this is a limited, numbered edition release of only 1,000 copies. Get 'em before they are gone.

Mortification - Scrolls of the Megilloth (Intense) 1992
Mortification - Scrolls of the Megilloth (Soundmass) 2005

1. "Nocturnal" (6:08)
2. "Terminate Damnation" (6:17)
3. "Eternal Lamentation" (6:27)
4. "Raise the Chalice" (4:17)
5. "Lymphosarcoma" (6:01)
6. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" (4:25)
7. "Death Requiem" (5:09)
8. "Necromanicide" (4:54)
9. "Inflamed" (3:25)
10 "Ancient Prophecy" (11:42)

2005 Reissue Bonus Tracks
11. "Terminate Damnation" [demo] (6:07)
12. "Lymphonsacoma" [demo] (6:02)
13. "Necromanicide" [demo] (4:24)
14. "Scrolls of the Megilloth" [demo] (3:08)

Mortification: (1992)
Steve Rowe-bass, grind baritone vocals
Michael Carlisle-guitars, background vox
Jayson Sherlock-drums, background vox

Additional musicians:
Jayson Sherlock-lead guitar on "Ancient"
Roger Martinez, Andrew Tompkins-additional background vocals

Produced by Doug Sanders & Mortification

Michael Carlisle

The album that is hailed by many as Mortification's best effort. I disagree, but can understand why someone would say this as this is an incredible disc. Many of today's Christian bands were inspired by this, some even using the song titles as a name for their band. This disc, unlike the self titled, is death metal. The blast beats abound! Heavy, downtuned, fast, chaotic, technical...just an all over good release. Of course, Mortification could never break free from their roots and their love for thrash and classic metal still showed through the D-tuned madness. Steve's love for epic songs began to show at this point as well with "Ancient Prophecy" clocking in at 11:42. The lyrics matured quite a bit on this release as well, still bring forth their belief in Jesus Christ, but in a much more interesting way. Songs like "Scrolls of the Megilloth" are actually straight up Bible teachings. Others like "Nocturnal" were an attempt to show disapproving Christians why they do what they do. The production was beefy and blew away their self titled album. This disc is one of their best and ranks only behind "EnVision EvAngeline" and "Post Momentary Affliction" on my list. A must for any fan of brutal metal, and if you're a Mortification fan, then you should already own this! I happen to own this one on vinyl and CD.

2005 Reissue Bonus Tracks
This album has been reissued several times on several different record companies over the years. Despite this, "Scrolls" was out of print and becoming increasingly harder to find. In 2005, Soundmass re-released "Scrolls" with four pre-production demo tracks added and an 8-page full color booklet. The cover art has been only slightly altered from the original. The sound quality on the Soundmass release is great, and was probably remastered, although without comparing the original to this I am not 100% positive. The four demo tracks are much more raw and obviously were not recorded with the purpose of releasing them. However, they do offer the Mortification fanatic a look into the workings of the band. I personally own several copies of this album now, including the original Intense Records release, a Nuclear Blast promo copy, the Nuclear Blast 1995 special edition digi-pack, a vinyl copy on Nuclear blast and now this Soundmass reissue. There is also a crappy KMG records re-issue of this album that features a cheap, single page insert. The Soundmass reissue is by far the best re-issue thus far. My only suggestion for making it better would have been to include "Butchered Mutilation" or the studio version of "Time Crusaders".

1. "Allusions from the Valley of the Shadows" (1:28)
2. "From the Valley of the Shadows" (8:01)
3. "Human Condition" (3:17)
4. "Distarnished Priest" (7:24)
5. "Black Lion of the Wind" (4:09)
6. "Grind Planetarium" (4:27)
7. "Pride Sanitarium (reprise)" (1:38)
8. "Overseer" (9:18)
9. "This Momentary Affliction" (1:32)
10. "Flight of Victory" [bass instrumental] (2:32)
11. "Impulsation" (4:25)
12. "Liquid Assets" (1:21)
13. "Vital Fluids" (6:21)
14. "The Sea of Forgetfulness" (:29)

Mortification: (1993)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Michael Carlisle-guitars
Jayson Sherlock-drums

Produced by: Doug Sanders

Post Momentary Affiction
Intense Records cover

Nuclear Blast cover

Next to EnVision EvAngeline, this would be my favorite Mortification disc. What we have here is a return to the thrash roots from the first album, but with more finesse. The influences of Iron Maiden and especially Manowar are showing through much more than in the past. This is just a great speed metal/thrash feast. This album was also the introduction of the new vocals style. The deathly growl still present, but mixed with a clean, doomy shout that would begin to become more prevelant in future discs. The lyrics are mature, Christ centered, and intelligent. I guess the return to thrash was not what Jayson Sherlock wanted, as soon after the release of P.M.A., he announced his departure to play with doom/death band Paramæcium. A shame, really, as the drum work on this cd is phenomenal! Some of the best drumming in metal. Period!

The Intense cover was drawn by drummer Jayson Sherlock. (Yes, I own both covers.) This album would be the final studio disc of what many would consider the classic Mortification line-up.

Ah yes, a live album from our favorite Australian imports. Good recording, wild crowd from the Blackstump Festival and a good selection of tunes from the first three discs. Two new songs that we were told would be on the next studio album, however, only "Symbiosis" ever made it onto any official Mortification release. The studio verison of "Time Crusader" would only see light of day on the very obscure Australia Metal 1 compilation. Probably a wise decision as this live version was beefy and could not be beat! Actually one of the best songs on the disc. A botched, speedy version of Bloodgood's "Black Snake." It contains the worst guitar solo ever recorded. Micheal Carlisle never claiming to be much of a lead player, proves it with this solo. The production isn't bad for a live offering. Probably not the disc you want to get if you are new to Mortification, but a must for fans. "Live Planetarium" is one of the discs on my top favorite live discs.

With a new drummer, a new producer, and a new logo comes a new sound. Many cried "sellout." Some said they went "hardcore." This, of course, was not even slightly true. The death metal sound was gone but the thrash sound was now completely in place. "Blood World" is not my favorite disc either, but it has some great songs. Some are Mortification classics, while others were just not of the calibur of past albums. However, this was actually the best selling Mortification disc of their entire catalogue, especially in the U.S..

Nuclear Blast & Intense put out very similar covers. The big difference actually being in the inside and back cover photos. The change was actually part of what fueled the "sellout" fire. On the Intense version, the classic Mortification logo was gone and replaced with a new logo that featured three swords in place of the crosses. The Nuclear Blast cover, which was released after the Intense version, had the classic logo back in place, although moved into the right corner. (Yes, I own both covers.) Blood World is a disc for thrash fans and a must for Mortification fans but is probably not the disc to use to introduce the band to a new listener.

Steve Rowe, the Lone Ranger. The only original member who trudges on in his metal crusade. Together with his "Blood World Tour" touring band and George Ochoa (ex-Deliverance/Recon) put out this thrash disc in a bit of a hurry. The production is a bit raw, or "primitive," if I might say so. Lots of tribal beats, and a sort of Sepultura-vibe. Favorite tunes "Gut Wrench" and "Mephibosheth," the latter still in the bands live set as of 1999."Providence" also features a short guest vocal section by ex-Recon vocalist Vett Roberts. Lyrics are very evangelistic in nature. A great disc that would sit well in any metal collection.

This one boasted two unreleased tracks ("Blood Sacrifice" & "New Beginnings"), but both of these tracks had been released on the "Break the Curse 1990" cd that Nuclear Blast had put out a few years earlier. I guess it was only available as an import, but I was bummed that this "best of " compilation didn't include at least the hard to find studio version of "Time Crusaders." At least the cover featured some cool photos and a discography. The songs are laid out in chronological order as well, which is kind of cool, as you can hear how Mortification changed over the years.

Forgot to mention that the studio version of "Time Crusaders" is available on Rowe's Godspeed Australian Metal Compilation. I think this is the only place, other than on MP3 format, that this song is available.

Well, once again, with new band members comes a new sound. New indeed! This being my favorite Morty offering to date, I like the changes that were made. Steve Rowe now fully implementing his love for "true metal." Gone now were all traces of Mortification's death metal past, and back was Steve's initial vision of a classic metal/thrash band. The epic "EnVision EvAngeline," inspired by the likes of Iron Maiden 's epic numbers and especially Manowar's "Achilles, Agony and Ecstacy in Eight Parts," clocked in at over eighteen minutes. Galloping bass, killer guitar riffs and some of the best solos any Mortification guitarist has put forth thus far. This song alone would be worth the price of the disc, but wait...there are seven more delightful metal mosels to get you banging you head. "Noah was a Knower" is a speedy thrash song that uses a bit of humor to tell the story of Noah's obedience towards God. "Northern Storm" is one of the greatest songs Mortification has ever written. Incredible guitar riff! "Buried into Obscurity" is a cool groove metal number written by new drummer Keith Bannister.

The drum work is simplistic throughout the disc but well executed. This is actually the first band Keith had ever recorded with. At the time of the recording he had only been playing less than a year. Formerly he was a Mortification rodie for Australian tours.

The disc was released by three different companies, and with that there is slight differences in the artwork. In the U.S. Diamante released the disc with a plain black imprint on the cd and a bad moray in the cover art. The best copies are the Australian and German copies, released by Rowe Productions and Nuclear Blast respectively, with the gold and black ink print on the cd and far superior printing on the cover.

Metal, the way it was meant to be recorded, LIVE and RAW! Seriously, this is a live club recording-a few hundred screaming fans and a raw sound. Live recording by Phil Lake at "The Voice" nightclub, Feb. 3, 1996 on the "EnVision EvAngeline" Austalian tour that was titled, appropriately, "Live Without Fear Tour." Unlike the "Live Planetarium" disc, which had a big production at a large festival with big crowds, these two discs are more akin to what you would hear, should you attend a Mortification show. A nice array of songs from each album are present as well as some humor a la Steve Rowe. The NOAH cover art is done by former drummer Jayson Sherlock. Quite the title too, huh? If I could only have one of these, however, it would be the "Live Without Fear" disc as it is longer and has a better variety of songs. Both are cool discs for collector's of all things Mortification.

Well, after almost losing Steve Rowe to Leukemia only a few short months earlier, I get a call from Steve telling me how excited he is about the new disc and U.S. Tour. REAL soon after I hear a three song demo of songs Steve wrote from his hospital bed. Hmmm...for a man who was suppose to die several times and was told he would never walk, see, or play bass again, this demo sure sounded good. God did work a miracle in Steve as he was completely healed of this deadly disease. A good majority of the disc is about what Steve had gone through over the past year and a half. Musically, this disc was a slight return to the death metal past, but only slightly. Actually this disc is more akin to EnVision, which if you have read my review on EnVision, you know I like. This disc again continues with the classic metal influences and the thrash overtones. Once again we have a lengthy number, although not as lengthy as EnVision, in the titled track "Triumph of Mercy." The song is a detailed story of Steve's fight with his infirmity and the ultimate victory he had in trusting God. Other songs like "Drain Dweller," echo the snappy thrash songs off EnVision. Actually, if it hadn't been for the lyrics, I would never have known there was a two year gap between albums. "Influence" has some of the most convicting lyrics by any Christian band and is a great metal song. This song is probably one of my all time favorite Mortification songs. The downfall to this disc is that the production suffers a bit compared to the clean sound of EnVision. In an attempt to sound more raw, the production is a bit weaker. The bass is way out front and the guitars a bit buried. The drums as well are just not as crisp as on EnVision EvAngeline. This aside, however, this is a much recommended disc.

Hammer of God comes out just short of a year after the release of "Triumph of Mercy." Once again, Mortification have gone for a classic metal sound, mixing in influences of thrash and only a small portion of death metal. All the vocals this time around are clear. The guitar tones are far better than any Morty disc from the past, however, Steve's signature bass sound is no longer present. Both the bass guitar and the bass drum are very buried in the guitar heavy mix. The first two cuts, "Metal Crusade" and "Martyrs" are two of the finest and most aggressive songs Mortification have written. Also included on this disc are the demo tracks from the "Triumph of Mercy" sessions as well as a medley of older material simply titled "Medley." This song is made up of "Lymphosarcoma" from Scrolls, "The Destroyer Beholds" from Mortification, "Distarnished Priest" from Post Momentary Affliction and "Love Song" from Blood World. Actually this is the same medley that the band played on their "Triumph of Mercy World Tour." "God Rulz" is an updated version of "The Majestic Infiltration of Order" from the self titled disc. Steve's son makes his vocal debut at the end of this song. A first for Mortification on this album is the use of a piano throughout the disc. Songs like"A Pearl" become beautiful metal songs due to the use of the piano. "D.W.A.M" or "Daniel was a Mosher," is a whimsical take-off of the "Noah was a Knower" track from EnVision EvAngeline. Short song cloking in at only 1.59. Overall, not the best Mortification disc, but a good one none-the-less. The first two tracks and the medley alone are worth the price of admission.

1. "Dead Man Walking" (4:13)
2. "Buried Into Obscurity" (3:19)
3. "Medley" (7:50)
...."Lymphosarcoma"
...."The Destroyer Beholds
...."Distarnished Priest"
...."Love Song"
4. "Martyrs" (6:32)
5. "Peace in the Galaxy" (6:10)
6. "Hammer of God" (3:47)
7. "Influence" (5:30)
8. "Steve Thanks" (1:06)
9. "Mephibosheth" (3:47)
10. "Chapel of Hope" (4:38)
11. "Liberal Mediocrity" (3:49)
12. "God Rulz" (1:55)
13. "King of Kings" (:40)

Mortification: (1999)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Keith Bannister-drums

Live album number two, or four if you count the two eps. This album features mostly material from the last three albums and the medley that was released on "Hammer of God." There is one new song as well, ("Dead Man Walking") which sounds like it may have been left over from the "Hammer of God" sessions as the lyrics are once again about Steve's bout with sickness. "King of Kings," is a bit deceiving as it looks to be another new song, but is only a short section of Steve screaming "Jesus, Jesus" from the stage. This will be the last album for Keith Bannister as well.

Mortification: (2001)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Lincoln Bowen-guitars
Adam Zaffarese-drums

With the news of a new drummer who is much younger than the rest of the band, rumors were flying that Mortification were going to go into a more "modern" direction. (i.e. hardcore/metalcore) Well, I am happy to say that this was just not true. Steve Rowe and his league of cohorts are still flying the flag of heavy metal. With no disrespect intended to Keith at all, I have to say that new drummer Adam Zaffarese (say that three time fast!) kicks butt! There are a few songs that have a hint of hardcore attitude to them, especially the Lincoln Bowen penned song "Access Denied." Steve seems to be incorporating some of his older, growlier vocals in the new album, which I think is a great idea. Overall, however, "Silver Chord" is not as solid an album as I would have liked. Whereas most Mortification CDs dominate my CD player for weeks after they are released, I found myself bored with this one rather quickly. Honestly, it's really hard for me to say anything negative about a band I have have been a fan of for so long and have so much respect for, but I really think with each album after "EnVision," the songwriting has become simpler and the hooks are less apparent. However, even with albums like "Hammer of God," I could pull out several standout tracks. With this one I cannot really say that with the exception of opening track "Metal Blessing". I also think this is the band's weakest album cover art. This would be the last CD Mortification would release on Nuclear Blast Germany.

I should also mention that there is a double disc version with "10 Years Live Not Dead" was released in Germany only. The US version is a single disc.

I could probably debate with a handful of Mortification fans for hours on the necessity (or lack thereof) of releasing yet another Mortification compilation cd. Apparently, with the exit of guitarist Lincoln Bowen and Mortification parting ways with both Nuclear Blast Germany and Metal Blade USA, Steve was about ready to hang up the 'ol Mortification banner and go on with other things. "Power, Passion & Pain" was to be the final goodbye. However, God had other plans for Mortification, and the band will go on with yet another new guitarist, releasing this and future albums on Steve's own label, Rowe Productions. I am also sure that we could debate and complain forever about songs we feel should or shouldn't be on this compilation. As it stand, Steve saw fit to include one song from each album, including both live albums and one of the two live EPs that were released several years ago. Of course with such a large catalogue of material there are songs I most certainly feel should have been on here that are not. I actually would have liked to have seen "Northern Storm," "Influence" and "Metal Crusade" on this disc. Of the later day Mortification songs, these are some of my favorites. Of the early years, I would have liked to have seen "Terminate Damnation," "Nocturnal," and "Distarnished Priest." Regardless if everyone's favorites are included or not, this is still a fairly good overview of the band's catalogue. I do have a complaint though. (You didn't think I wouldn't complain about something, now did you?) Why not include some more rarities like the incredibly rare "Butchered Mutilation," the studio version of "Time Crusaders" or the incredibly rare "Entering the Eternal Dawn". "Time Crusaders" and "Entering the Eternal Dawn" both have only seen the light of day on some very obscure compilations. There are four acoustic tracks included as a bonus affectionately called "Acoustic Blessing." These four tracks are amusing, and almost humorous. Death and thrash metal just don't translate well to acoustic guitars. The better of the four tracks are the two newer tracks, "Metal Blessing" and "Standing at the Door of Death." These two tracks work ok in this setting. The other two, well, as I said, death metal doesn't translate well on an acoustic guitar. It's also impossible to translate those brutal vocals to something more soft.

I have been a Mortification fan since 1990, and frankly I was a fan of Lightforce before that. I have anxiously waited for each new release from Steve Rowe and Co. and for the most part have been quite happy. I am not one who has wanted the band to return to their death metal style of "Scrolls" However, I must admit I was disappointed with "Silver Chord" and I was a bit leary about what the new disc would hold with the rumor that Steve Rowe was putting the Mortification name to rest and then the news that Mortification had gone through yet another line-up change. Well thanks to the technology of MP3 I was able to check out a couple of tracks before buying and was pleasantly surprised. It seems two new guitarists have brought new life into this old metal machine. While I would not be so bold as to say that I think this is the band's finest work, I would say that it is their best work since 'EnVision EvAngeline' which is my personal favorite Morty disc. For the most part the guitar work shreds and the rhythm section just annihilates. Musically, Mortification are a hybrid mix of thrash, power and speed metal, all of which are right up my alley. There is even a doom song called 'Sorrow' and a song that borders death metal called 'Apocalyptic Terror.' Several songs have the feel of early 90's Mortification, although the lack of down tuned guitars and the absence of the heavy vocal effects makes even the blastbeats in "Bring Release" sound more like the newer Mortification. On the downside, there are a few songs that have overly repetitive choruses. "The Other Side Of The Coin" in particular made me think the cd was skipping like an old record the first time I heard it. "Altar Of God" in like manner has a chorus that would have been better had the words been varied a bit. Otherwise, I can't say enough good things about this disc. "Web of Fire", "God Shape Void", "Bring Release" and "Apocalyptic Terror" are all some of the band's best material ever.

Well, another line-up change for 'ol Mortification, but one that seems to have sparked a fire under Steve. This is an excellent CD! Musically Steve brings in elements of all the bands past albums with a big dose of "Post Momentary Affliction"-era death/thrash. The album starts off with a fast death/thrash track that is sure to bring smiles to any longtime fan. The vocals on this song are similar to the more recent albums with Steve doing a gritty, grunty style of vocals. With track two Steve returns to the mixture of deathly growls of the past and his cleaner style. This actually continues throughout the entire CD. "Too Much Pain" is a fast, angry, aggressive thrasher. "Purest Intent" slows things down and is a bit more groove oriented. Once again, this song is a bit angrier and darker than the last few Mortification CDs. Without giving a song by song analysis, this is probably Mortification's most angry, aggressive CD since those early 1990's platters. We are treated to loads of fast double bass, some blastbeats, some choice guitar solos, and some hook-laiden songwriting. Lyrically, Steve continues to preach his faith loud and clear, unashamed of who he is or who he serves. However, in tracks like "Purest Intent" and "I'm Not a Commodity" Steve lyrics seem a little angry and directed toward the critics of the band. Long live the mighty Mortification! Long live Jesus Metal!

Mortification - Erasing the Goblin (Rowe Productions) 2006
Mortification - Erasing the Goblin (MCM) 2006

1. "Razorback" (3:51)
2. "Erasing the Goblin" (5:18)
3. "The Dead Shall Be Judged" (4:09)
4. "Escape the Blasphemous Tabernacle" (6:08)
5. "Your Time" (3:41)
6. "Forged in Stone" (4:11)
7. "Way, Truth, Life" (2:42)
8. "Humanitarian" (5:57)
9. "Short Circuit" (2:48)
ROWE PRODUCTIONS VERSION
10. "Dead Man Walking" (3:34)
MCM VERSION
10. "Servants of the Supreme Message" (4:56)

Mortification: (2006)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Mick Jelinic-guitars
Damien Percy - Drums

....and Steve Rowe's metal machine keeps rolling along! All I can say about the newest Mortification release is that this is what the fans have been asking for. Is it a return to "Scrolls"? No, "Erasing the Goblin" is it's own monster. However, it is the fastest, heaviest CD from this band in over a decade. Steve's vocal approach returns to the deeper growls as heard on the band's first self-titled album, as well as those thrashier vocals on "Break the Curse." The CD starts off with one of the band's best songs ever in "Razorback". This is old school death/thrash. The very next song follows up with a mixture of old and newer Mortification, that is equally as pummelling. "Escape the Blasphemous Tabernacle" has tinges of doom metal reminding me slightly of some of the doomier material on the band's early releases. Without going into a track by track review, let me just say that this is clearly one of the strongest Mortification releases in a long time. The only track I really found to be weak is ""Forged In Stone". This song starts off with Steve belching out the song title. This seems to have become one of Steve's trademarks. Otherwise, the mix is good, the guitars are dirty and gnarly, Steve's vocals sound great, the songwriting is strong, the lyrics are spiritual. What else do you need to know? Long live Jesus Metal! Long Live Mortification!

The cover pictured above to the left is the limited edition release. (Mine is #15/500.) This Rowe Productions release was only available retail through the Soundmass.com store as a pre-order. There were 500 copies pressed. Each copy is hand numbered, signed by each band member and contains the exclusive track "Dead Man Walking". This track was previously recorded on the band's "10 Years Live Not Dead" live CD. The version contained herein is the first studio recording of this song and is not included on the MCM Music release. The MCM version features the cover pictured to the right and has the song "Servants of the Supreme Message" in place of "Dead Man Walking". Of course, being the Mortification collector I am, I eventually had to track down both versions. (Thanks to Vartan for the MCM version).

Mortification: (2007)
Steve Rowe-bass, vocals
Mick Jelinic-guitars
Damien Percy - Drums

The Australian metal machine rolls into 2007 with a new live album. "Live Humanitarian" captures Steve Rowe and crew in Perth, Australia at the Imax Theater in front of a crowd of hungry metal maniacs. The song list here is mostly from newer Mortification releases. Those looking for death metal need to look elsewhere. Mort have managed to capture that live energy with new songs such as "Erasing the Goblin", "I'm Not Your Commodity" and "Purest Intent". Unfortunately, there is not much in the way of old material, other than the medley which is exactly the same as it appears on the bands 1999 release "10 Years Live Not Dead" and also as a bonus studio track on the Metal Blade version of "Hammer of God". Likewise, "Dead Man Walking", "Chapel of Hope" and "Hammer of God" were also on the 1999 live recording. It's a shame that Steve didn't drag out either some older cuts like "Nocturnal" or perhaps more newer songs such as "Razorback", "Boaconstrictor", "Metal Blessing", "Access Denied" or "Web of Fire". As it stands, only six of the eleven songs haven't been previously released on a live platter. The sound quality is quite good for a live recording. Steve's in-between song banter is honest and cool to hear. Hearing him talk candidly of his many encounters with near death and how he was told he had only days to live over ten years ago is quite the testimony to his faith and his will to live. Having seen Mortification live several times over the years, this album sounds like a good representation of the band. Of course it is essential for the Mortification fanatic such as myself.